New Jersey Slavery Records

George was manumitted by the last will and testament of Isaac Van Dike (Van Dyke) of South Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey, who died in 1803. Matthew Van Dike (the executor of Isaac Van Dike's estate) appeared in court with George to complete the manumission process on April 9, 1804. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of South Brunswick (Thomas McDowell, John Davison) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Nathaniel Hunt, John Bastedo). The document stated that George was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. George's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 9, 1804. Note that a related event took place seven years later when Matthew Van Dike once again brought George before the court to obtain another certificate of manumission for him. It is unclear whether George attained freedom in 1804 or was held in bondage until 1811 when the second certificate of manumission was issued.

Jude was manumitted by Hector Bloomfield of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Israel Thornal, Lewis Kelly) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Ephraim Harriot, Benajah Mundy) on April 9, 1804. The document stated that Jude was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Jude's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 10, 1804.

On April 12, 1804, John Morgan of Prospect Farm in Princeton advertised the sale of a Black woman, who was used to domestic work, and two Black children, an 11-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy. Morgan noted that he planned to leave the state, and this was the reason for the sale. Around the same time, Morgan sold Prospect Farm to John I. Craig (Prospect is now part of Princeton University's campus). It is possible that the three people listed in the ad were related, although the advertisement does not specifically mention that they were a family. ----- Transcript of the source document: "For Sale, A NEGRO WOMAN, capable of all kinds of House Work, sober, honest, and industrious. A GIRL, Eleven years old, used to the care of children. A BOY, Ten years old. These servants are sold as the subscriber is about leaving the state, and for no other cause. Apply to JOHN MORGAN Princeton, April 12, 1804."

Clarabela was manumitted by Josiah Skilton of West Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of West Windsor (Henry Dye, J Harrison) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Daniel Agnew, William Holmes) on April 20, 1804. The document stated that Clarabela was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Clarabela's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 23, 1804. West Windsor was part of Middlesex County at this time, but it would later become part of Mercer County in 1838.

Fifi, a French-speaking Black woman who had been raised in Saint Domingue (now Haiti), ran away from her enslaver Jacques Philipe Rossignol de Grandmont around April or May 1804. Fifi made her escape from Trenton, where Grandmont had a home. Grandmont posted a reward for Fifi's capture in July 1804, noting that Fifi had been gone for 2 or 3 months by then and conjecturing that she may have gone to Pennsylvania. Grandmont requested that information be sent to Dr. Bellville in Trenton, which may indicate that Grandmont himself was away from Trenton at that time. Fifi was one of several people who ran away from Grandmont around this time. See related events for Alexander and Azor (who were mentioned in the same runaway ad) and also for Jack. ----- Transcript of the source document: "One Hundred Dollars Reward. RAN-AWAY from the Subscriber, at Trenton, New Jersey, two negro men, named Azor and Alexander, and a negro woman named Fifi. Azor has been gone 3 or 4 months, is a tall stout fellow, about 41 years of age, speaks the English language very imperfectly, being from St. Domingo, and may be easily known by a peculiarity in his walk, an impediment in his speech, and by his front teeth being turned with their edges in front. Alexander has been living for some time past with Mr. Hunter, at Flemington, and went off from that place on Tuesday night last, he is a tall, slender, well made man, about 28 or 30 years of age, and also speaks the English language imperfectly, being from St. Domingo; he is very black, and took with him many clothes; among them he had a sailor's jacket and a pair of pantaloons of plaid cotton. Fifi, the woman, has been absent for 2 or 3 months, and is perhaps somewhere in Pennsylvania; she is a short, fat, round faced wench, speaks the English language badly and is neat in her dress and appearance. Whoever will take up the above slaves and lodge them in Trenton gaol, shall receive 100 dollars reward, or in proportion for either. If confined in any other place 30 dollars will be given for each, on applying to Andrew S. Hunter, Esq, Flemington, or to Dr. Bellville, Trenton, New Jersey. J. P. R. Grandmont July 28, 1804. 83 tf."

Peter was manumitted by Edward Van Harlingen of North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (John Van Nuis) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Abraham Schuyler, Elijah Phillips) on May 2, 1804. The document stated that Peter was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Peter's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on July 21, 1804.

On Monday, June 25, 1804, a Black man named Jack ran away from his enslaver Abraham Schenck of Penns Neck in West Windsor (near Princeton). Jack was about 40 years old at this time. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Twenty-Five Dollars Reward. RAN-AWAY from the Subscriber, on Monday last, a NEGRO MAN, named Jack, about 40 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, bow legged and middling stout built; has thick lips and is very black. Had on, a bear-skin coat and a waistcoat, common wool hat and shoes. He has been brought up to the farming business, and will probably seek employment in that way. Whoever will take up said runaway and return him to the subscriber living in Penn's Neck, near Princeton or secure him in any gaol, so that he can get him again shall receive the above reward, and reasonable charges. ABRAHAM SCHENCK. June 28, 1804. 79-3w"

Lenah was manumitted by William Patterson of North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseer of the Poor of North Brunswick (John Van Nuis) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Abraham Schuyler, Elijah Phillips) on July 2, 1804. The document stated that Lenah was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Lenah's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk on July 3, 1804.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Clarissa Mother: not listed Enslaver of mother and child: J. F. Hughes Location listed: Newtown, NJ Birth date: July 4, 180? Recorded date: Date not listed Clerk: Clerk not listed Recorded birth year is questionable as it contains an ink stain over the last number.

On July 8, 1804, Merch ran away from George Farmer. Merch escaped with another enslaved man, who was from the French West Indies and whose name was not reported in the runaway ad. George Farmer's notice listed New Brunswick as the location. Farmer was known to also have a large estate called Belle Vue across the river in the area of present-day Highland Park (then Piscataway), and it is possible that Merch and his companion ran away from there. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Forty Dollars Reward RAN AWAY from Subscriber on the night of the 8th of July inft. TWO NEGRO MEN; the one named Merch; he is six feet high or thereabout, a very black fellow, round faced, stout made, hoops and swings his arms considerably while walking; has a scar on one of his wrists by the cut of a feather; about twenty two or three years of age, bred a farmer — took with him two shirts, one pair of trousers of tow cloth, one pair of blue pantaloons, one striped swansdown vest, a short blue roundabout Jacket, and perhaps various other clothes; he is a Maryland bred Negro. The other is five feet nine or ten inches high of a yellowish complexion, rather longish face, slender made, talks quick and is a French bred Negro, from one of the West India Islands; his occupation is a barber and most likely will be seeking that business; had on and took with him on white and one tow shirt, one pair of nankeen and one light colored slinky pantaloons, and perhaps sundry other clothes, tho as it is probable they may change them, it is needless to say anything further about their clothing. The above reward will be given to any person taking them and securing them in any goal, and giving notice to the subscriber or reasonable charges, if delivered, or twenty dollars for either of them. GEORGE FARMER New Brunswick, July 9, 1804 81-6w"

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 2 Certificate number: 4 Child: Isaac Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Benjamin Alward Location: Bernardstown, NJ Birth date: 9 July 1804 Reported date: 2 Jan 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 6 Child: Kate Mother: Ginn otherwise called Jane Enslaver of mother and child: Richard Holtom Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: July 9, 1804 Reported date: August 17, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 2 Certificate number: 3 Child: male child, name not listed (a blank space was left on the page where the name should have been written) Mother: name not mentioned Enslaver of mother and child: Elbert Stroothoff Location: Franklin, NJ Birth date: 12 July 1804 Reported date: 26 December 1804 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 3 Certificate number: 8 Child: Tom Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Jacobus Van Nuys Location: Hillsborough Birth date: 15 July 1804 Reported date: 11 March 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 2 Child: Lydia Mother: Rebeckah Enslaver of mother and child: Thomas Wetherill Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: July 17, 1804 Reported date: May 1, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 3 Certificate number: 11 Child: Jude Mother: Seni Enslaver of mother and child: Nicholas Williamson Location: Hillsborough Birth date: 22 July 1804 Reported date: 21 March 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Alexander, a French-speaking Black man who had been raised in Saint Domingue (now Haiti), ran away from the house of Andrew S. Hunter in Flemington, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, on Tuesday, July 23, 1804. Alexander's primary enslaver was Jacques Philipe Rossignol de Grandmont (an exiled Haitian planter who was then a resident of Trenton), but Alexander had been living and working in Hunter's household in Flemington when he made his escape. Grandmont published a runaway ad offering a reward for Alexander and for two other people who ran away from Grandmont's house in Trenton. See related events for Azor and Fifi (who were mentioned in the same runaway ad) and also for Jack. ----- Transcript of the source document: "One Hundred Dollars Reward. RAN-AWAY from the Subscriber, at Trenton, New Jersey, two negro men, named Azor and Alexander, and a negro woman named Fifi. Azor has been gone 3 or 4 months, is a tall stout fellow, about 41 years of age, speaks the English language very imperfectly, being from St. Domingo, and may be easily known by a peculiarity in his walk, an impediment in his speech, and by his front teeth being turned with their edges in front. Alexander has been living for some time past with Mr. Hunter, at Flemington, and went off from that place on Tuesday night last, he is a tall, slender, well made man, about 28 or 30 years of age, and also speaks the English language imperfectly, being from St. Domingo; he is very black, and took with him many clothes; among them he had a sailor's jacket and a pair of pantaloons of plaid cotton. Fifi, the woman, has been absent for 2 or 3 months, and is perhaps somewhere in Pennsylvania; she is a short, fat, round faced wench, speaks the English language badly and is neat in her dress and appearance. Whoever will take up the above slaves and lodge them in Trenton gaol, shall receive 100 dollars reward, or in proportion for either. If confined in any other place 30 dollars will be given for each, on applying to Andrew S. Hunter, Esq, Flemington, or to Dr. Bellville, Trenton, New Jersey. J. P. R. Grandmont July 28, 1804. 83 tf."

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Child: Harry Mother: Deyon Enslaver of mother and child: Peter P. Voorhees Location: Somerset County (locality not specified) Birth date: 26 July 1804 Reported date: 16 October 1804 Clerk: John Frelinghuysen

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 7 Certificate number: 29 Child: Harry Mother: Suk Enslaver of mother and child: Isaac Oppie Location: Franklin Birth date: 31 Jul 1804 Reported date: 20 May 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Sarah Mother: Phebe Enslaver of mother and child: Miss Nancy Hughes Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 31 July 1804 Recorded date: 25 Jan 1805 Clerk: J.S. Thompson Record was forwarded to the clerk by Robert Thompson on behalf of Nancy Hughes.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 48 Certificate number: 147 Child: Hannah Mother: Eve Enslaver of mother and child: Daniel La Touratte Location: Bridgewater Birth date: 13 Aug 1804 Reported date: 28 May 1807 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 3 Certificate number: 9 Child: Hannah Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: James Van Derveere Location: Bedminster, NJ Birth date: 13 August 1804 Reported date: 13 March 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: name not listed Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Abram Corson Location: Hardyston Township Birth date: August 15, 1804 Recorded date: February 21, 1805 Clerk: J.S. Thompson The certificate states "when born belonging to Abram Corson, born at the house of James Beardslee." The record was later submitted to the clerk by George Beardslee, seemingly suggesting that George Beardslee became the enslaver of the boy by the time the certificate was filed.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 2 Certificate number: 5 Child: Kate Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Peter Staats Location: Hillsborough Birth date: 17 August 1804 Reported date: 6 Feb 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Cuff was manumitted by Abraham Smalley of Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Piscataway (Edward Griffith, David Coriell Jr.) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Samuel F. Randolph, David Dunham) on August 27, 1804. The document stated that Cuff was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Cuff's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on September 17, 1804.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Charles Mother: Name not listed. Enslaver of mother and child: Rynier Vansickel Location: Oxford Township, NJ Birth date: 1 Sep 1804 Recorded date: 25 June 1805 Clerk: Jacob S. Thompson

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 6 Certificate number: 25 Child: Dick Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Dinah Voorhees, widow relict of Jaques Voorhees, deceased Location: Franklin Birth date: 2 Sep 1804 Reported date: 18 Apr 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 3 Child: William Mother: Hanah Enslaver of mother and child: Enos Baldwin Location: East Windsor, NJ Birth date: September 4, 1804 Reported date: June 12, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

The following manumission record from Gloucester County was transcribed by the Historical Records Survey Project of the Works Progress Administration. The transcript was originally published in 1940 in the book titled Transcriptions of Early County Records of New Jersey: Gloucester County Series Slave Documents. The transcript is reproduced below as it appeared in that book. GLOUCESTER COUNTY DOCUMENT NUMBER: 24 TRANSCRIPT: Gloucester County to wit:- We do hereby Certify that on this Fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & four Samuel W. Harrison of the Town of Gloucester in the said County of Gloucester brought before us two of the overseers of the poor of the said Township, and two of the justices of the peace of the said. County, his Slave named Ceasar Smith who, on view and examination appears to us to be sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity of obtaining a support and also is not under the age of twenty one years, nor above the age of forty years. In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands, the day and year above written. John Heritage ) Overseers of the poor of the Saml Bricke ) Town of Gloucester. Jonathon Harker ) Justices of the peace for James Matlack ) the said County of Gloucester [Verso] Manumission of Cesar Smith. Recorded in the Clerks Office of Gloucester County May 8, 1805 Clark Clk

The following manumission record from Gloucester County was transcribed by the Historical Records Survey Project of the Works Progress Administration. The transcript was originally published in 1940 in the book titled Transcriptions of Early County Records of New Jersey: Gloucester County Series Slave Documents. The transcript is reproduced below as it appeared in that book. GLOUCESTER COUNTY DOCUMENT NUMBER: 26 TRANSCRIPT: Gloucester County to wit - We do hereby Certify that on this Fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred a four George W Hugg of the Town of Gloucester in the said County of Gloucester brought before us two of the Overseers of the poor of the said Town and two of the Justices of the peace of the said County his Slave named Cupied Still who in view and examination appears to be sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity of obtaining a support and also is not under the Age of twenty one years, nor above the age of forty years. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our hand the Day and Year above written. John Heritage ) Overseers of the poor of the Sam Brick ) Town of Gloucester Jonathan Harker ) Justices of the peace of the James Matlack ) County of Gloucester [Verso] Manumission of Cupied Still Recorded in Clerk's Office of Gloucester County May 8, 1805 Clark Clk

The following manumission record from Gloucester County was transcribed by the Historical Records Survey Project of the Works Progress Administration. The transcript was originally published in 1940 in the book titled Transcriptions of Early County Records of New Jersey: Gloucester County Series Slave Documents. The transcript is reproduced below as it appeared in that book. GLOUCESTER COUNTY DOCUMENT NUMBER: 25 TRANSCRIPT: Gloucester County to wit, We do hereby Certify that on this Eighth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand Fifth hundred & four Samuel W. Harrison of the Town of Gloucester in the County of Gloucester brought before us (two of the Overseers of the poor of the said Town and two of the Justices of the peace of the said County.) his slave named Thomas Smithers who on view and examination appears to us to be sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity of obtaining a support and also is not under the Age of twenty one years nor above the Age of forty years In Witness whereof we have hereunto set Our hands the day and year above written. John Heritage ) Overseers of the poor of the Sam Brick ) Town of Gloucester. Jonathan Harker ) Justices of the peace for the James Matlack ) County of Gloucester. [Verso] Manumission of Thomas Smithers Recorded in the Clerks Office of Gloucester County May 8th 1805 Clark Clk

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: male child, name not listed Mother: Peg Enslaver of mother and child: Effert Van Auken Location: Sussex County (Locality not listed) Birth date: September 10, 1804 Recorded date: December 21, 1806 Clerk: Johnson The locality was not specified on this birth certificate; however, other county documents indicate that the enslaver lived in Newton, thus it may be inferred that the child was born in Newton.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Liamous Mother: Name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: John Seward Location: Hardiston Township, NJ Birth date: 11 Sept. 1804 Recorded date: 20 March 1805 Clerk: J.S. Thompson

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 3 Certificate number: 10 Child: Kate or Catharine Mother: Nancy Enslaver of mother and child: Richard Stockton, Counsellor at Law Location: Somerset County (locality not specified) Birth date: 14 September 1804 Reported date: 5 March 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty The locality was not specified on this birth certificate, but Richard Stockton was a well-known resident of Princeton and owner of the Morven mansion. Thus, it can be inferred that Catharine was born at Morven. Dr. Ebenezer Stockton attended Nancy during Kate's delivery, as documented in his medical register with the following notation for the account of Mr. Richard Stockton on page 43: "1804 Sept. 13th a visit & delivery of Blackwoman 5 [dollars] 14th a visit ----- Blackwoman 25 [cents]"

On September 14, 1804, a young Black woman named Marceline ran away from her enslaver Madam Despinose of Burlington, NJ. A Burlington resident named Jean Andre Barbarroux (aka John Andrew Barbarroux), who was also a known enslaver, published runaway ads offering a reward of $20 for Marceline's return. Barbarroux's relationship to Madam Despinose was not clarified in the ads. The following is a transcript of the ad as it appeared in the Philadelphia newspaper Poulson's American Daily Advertiser: "Twenty Dollars Reward RAN away from her mistress, residing in city of Burlington, a Negro Wench, aged about twenty years, named MARCELINE, speaks good English. Any person apprehending the said Marceline and will deliver her in Burlington goal, or secure her so that her mistress may have her again shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charged, from J. A. Barbarroux, sen. " The following is a transcript of the ad as it appeared in the Trenton Federalist newspaper: "Twenty Dollars Reward RAN away, on Friday last, 14th inst. from her mistress, Madam Despinose, residing in city of Burlington, a Negro Wench, aged about 20 years, named MARCELINE, speaks good English. Any person apprehending the said Marceline and securing her in the Burlington gaol, or so that her mistress may get her again shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges by A. BARBARROUX, sen. Burlington, September 19, 1804. 91-4w"

Joe was manumitted by Samuel Cutter of Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Samuel Cutter executed a deed of manumission for Joe on September 17, 1804. Joe was proximately 20 to 25 years old at the time. Cutter died several months later in 1805. Approximately six years later, on April 8, 1811, William Bloomfield (the executor of Samuel Cutter's estate) brought Joe to court to complete the process and obtain a certificate of manumission for Joe. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of Woodbridge (Ezekiel Ayers, Lewis Kelly) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Ichabod Potter, Ephraim Harriot). The document stated that Joe was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on April 29, 1811. The clerk also recorded a copy of Cutter's original deed of manumission from 1804, which states that Joe was "of about the age of twenty 'five' years" at the time the deed was issued. A notation below the document states "word 'five' in the sixth line being first interlined." It is possible that Joe was 25 years old at the time the deed was written by Samuel Cutter in 1804. It is also possible that Joe was only 20 in 1804 and that the word "five" was inserted between the lines (interlined) by William Bloomfield years later, closer to 1811.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 2 Certificate number: 2 Child: Hannah Mother: unknown Enslaver of mother and child: John Garretson Location: Hillsborough, NJ Birth date: 20 September 1804 Reported date: 20 December 1804 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 4 Child: Simeon Mother: Cate Enslaver of mother and child: Samuel Randolph Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: September 28, 1804 Reported date: July 8, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 1 Child: Sarah Mother: Sarah Enslaver of mother and child: Ephraim Martin Location: New Brunswick, NJ Birth date: October 1, 1804 Reported date: February 25, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare Both the child and mother are named Sarah.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 2 Certificate number: 6 Child: Benjamin Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Peter A. Dumont Location: Somerset County (locality not specified) Birth date: 3 October 1804 Reported date: 18 February 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty This birth certificate did not list a locality, but other records from Somerset County indicate that Peter A. Dumont was a resident of Hillsborough. Thus, it can be inferred that the child was probably born in that township.

Hannah Oakham was manumitted by Mary Minto of West Windsor, Middlesex County, New Jersey. West Windsor was part of Middlesex County at this time, but it would later become part of Mercer County in 1838. The certificate of manumission was signed by the Overseers of the Poor of West Windsor (J Harrison, Henry Dye) and Justices of the Peace for Middlesex County (Daniel Agnew, William Holmes) on October 13, 1804. The document stated that Hannah Oakham was examined in court and met the eligibility requirements for manumission in New Jersey, i.e. the person was 21 to 40 years old and was "sound in mind and not under any bodily incapacity" of obtaining a livelihood. Hannah Oakham's exact age was not recorded in the document. This manumission was recorded by the Middlesex County Clerk (William P. Deare) on January 19, 1805. Middlesex County records also include the deed of manumission signed by Mary Minto on November 28, 1804, and witnessed by Thomas P. Johnson. This document described Hannah as "negro woman slave named Hannah Oakham wife of Richard Oakham a free black man." The records contain a note explaining that the Oakhams purchased Hannah's freedom for the price of 50 pounds. Mary Minto had already received most of the purchase money for Hannah Oakham's freedom, but Hannah still owed 19 weeks of wages. As a free woman, Hannah would continue working for Mary Minto without receiving wages until the purchase price was fully paid off. Hannah's agreed-upon wages were 2 shillings and 6 pence per week. At this rate, her debt to Mary Minto would be paid off on April 10, 1805. The wages over the 19-week period from November 28, 1804, to April 10, 1805, would amount to 2 pounds 7 shillings and 6 pence. After April 10, 1805, Hannah could begin receiving cash wages for her work. The following is a transcript of the note attached to Hannah Oakham's manumission records: "Note all the purchase money which was to be paid Mrs Minto, to wit fifty pounds, is paid except the wages of Hannah till the tenth day of April next at two shillings and six pence per week. dated Nov. 28th, 1804. Thos. P. Johnson Witness"

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 2 Child: Rachel Mother: Hanna Enslaver of mother and child: Jacob Van Dike Location: Ten Mile Run, NJ Birth date: October 16, 1804 Reported date: April 11, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Rachel This is to certify that I Jacob Van Dike of Ten Mile Run of the Southward of New Brunswick in the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey had a negro female child born the sixteenth day of October one thousand eight hundred and four by my negro woman named Hanna, the aforesaid child is named Rachel. As Witness my hand this eleventh day of April 1805. -- Jacob Van Dike Recorded April 11th 1805"

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Ned Plots Mother: Name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: John Gustin Location: Sussex County (Locality not specified) Birth date: October 19, 1804 Recorded date: September 14, 1805 Clerk: Thompson

Around October 22, 1804, or thereabouts, a Black woman named Sarah Bristol ran away from her enslaver, David Lee, in Trenton, NJ. She was gone for about three weeks when David Lee submitted a runaway ad offering a reward for her capture. David Lee supposed that Sarah Bristol was in Philadelphia, where her sister resided. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Twenty Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the Subscriber, about three weeks since, a Negro Woman, about 28 years of age, of a yellowish complexion, has bushy hair; she calls herself Sarah Bristol. She had on when she went away, a dark callico gown, and other clothes not recollected. It is supposed she is in Philadelphia, as she has a sister residing there. Whoever will take up said runaway and return her to her master, living near Trenton, shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges. DAVID LEE. November 12, 1804. 99-3w"

On October 22, 1804, Tom ran away from his enslaver Jacob Stryker in Princeton, NJ. Within days after his escape, Tom was seen in Trenton, where his father, a free Black man named David, resided. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Fifteen Dollars Reward RAN-AWAY from the subscriber on the 22d instant, a NEGRO MAN, named Tom, twenty-one years of age, about five feet six or seven inches high, broad shouldered, walks wide and appears to be somewhat stiff, has short hair, and black skin. Had, on when he went away, a rorum hat half worn, with a large buckle, a light colored linsey round about, dark striped vest, and tow trousers, old shoes, and thread stockings; and took with him a small bundle of summer clothes. It is supposed that he is in or near Trenton, as his father, a free man by the name of black David, lives there. It is also known that he has been there since he went away. Any person who takes up said Negro, and securing him in Trenton gaol, or any gaol in the state, shall be entitled to the above reward. JACOB STRYKER Princeton, October 27, 1804. 96-3w tf"

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 8 Certificate number: 32 Child: Dick Mother: Dian Enslaver of mother and child: Christopher Hoagland Location: Montgomery Birth date: 24 Oct 1804 Reported date: 25 May 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 5 Child: Margaret Mother: Jenny Enslaver of mother and child: William Bayles Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: October 24, 1804 Reported date: August 16, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The mother is listed as Jenny alias Jane. The document notes that William Bayles is a farmer.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 1 Child: Hannah Mother: Hipzibeth Enslaver of mother and child: Rizpah Leforge Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: October 29, 1804 Reported date: December 31, 1804 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 3 Certificate number: 7 Child: Jack Mother: Phillis Enslaver of mother and child: Joseph Doty Location: Bridgewater Birth date: 1 November 1804 Reported date: 18 February 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty The enslaver who submitted this birth certificate, Joseph Doty, appears to be the same man as the Somerset County Clerk, Joseph Doty, whose job it was to record the certificates in the book of birth records.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 6 Certificate number: 23 Child: Rachel Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: John Frelinghuysen Location: Hillsborough Birth date: 9 Nov 1804 Reported date: 17 Apr 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty At the time of this event, John Frelinghuysen was residing at his late father's homestead in Millstone (then part of Hillsborough township), and it can be assumed that Rachel was born there. An additional certificate for Rachel was recorded by Clerk Isaac Southard in Book B, page 92, on May 15, 1828. At that time, John Frelinghuysen reported the names of four children born in his household between 1804 and 1812. This second document clarifies that Rachel's parents were Jenney and Tom. Rachel's siblings were Jane, George, and Arch. By the time the second document was filed in 1828, Rachel would have been 23 years old and was, presumably, already freed according to the provisions of New Jersey's gradual abolition law.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 9 Child: Pat Mother: Maria Enslaver of mother and child: Robert Davison Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: November 13, 1804 Reported date: November 5, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 6 Certificate number: 24 Child: Mary Mother: Gin Enslaver of mother and child: Jacob Voorhees Location: Bedminster Birth date: 15 Nov 1804 Reported date: 17 Apr 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Billa Whitney Mother: Bett Enslaver of mother and child: Isaac Tomkins Location: Hardiston Township, Sussex County Birth date: November 17, 1804 Recorded date: Date not listed Clerk: Clerk not listed Charity Denman, witness, signed by her mark.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 1 Child: Catharine Mother: Hannah Enslaver of mother and child: Abraham Dunham Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: November 27, 1804 Reported date: April 4, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer. The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Katy or Catharine I Abraham Dunham of the township of Piscataway in the County of Middlesex, Farmer, certify that Katy or Catharine a negro female child was born of my slave Hannah on the twenty seventh day of November last. Witness my hand this fourth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five. Abrm Dunham Recorded April 4th 1805."

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 6 Child: Cate Mother: Lydia Enslaver of mother and child: Joseph Buckalew Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: November 28, 1804 Reported date: August 4, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The enslaver signed by his mark (illiterate) and his occupation was noted as farmer.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 4 Child: Hetty Mother: Letty Enslaver of mother and child: James Edgar Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: December 2, 1804 Reported date: July 20, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 2 Child: Lenar Mother: Hager Enslaver of mother and child: John O. Jaques Birth date: December 5, 1804 Reported date: April 15, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The birth certificate does not list a specific location within Middlesex County. However, other archival records indicate that John O. Jaques was a resident of Woodbridge.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 6 Child: Stineche Mother: Sarah Enslaver of mother and child: Abraham Bergen Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: December 7, 1804 Reported date: September 5, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a miller.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Peg Mother: Sal Enslaver of mother and child: Charles Rhodes Location: Vernon Birth date: 8 Dec 1804 Recorded date: 24th Dec 1804 Clerk: J.S. Thompson

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 5 Child: Paris Mother: Gin otherwise called Jane Enslaver of mother and child: John Rue Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: December 11, 1804 Reported date: August 31, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver is a farmer.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 7 Child: Aaron Mother: Kate Enslaver of mother and child: John Van Nuis Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: December 12, 1804 Reported date: September 11, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 7 Child: Eliga Mother: Mary Enslaver of mother and child: Thomas Smith Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: December 13, 1804 Reported date: September 9, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

A sale advertisement for a young Black man, aged 19, was published in the Newark newspaper Centinel of Freedom in December 1804. The name of the enslaver was not mentioned. The sale would be brokered by the printer of the newspaper, William Tuttle. ----- Transcript of the source document: "A NEGRO FOR SALE. WHO is in his 19th year, strong and healthy; has worked for several years on a farm, and is acquainted with the management and driving of horses — has worked about a year in a Blacksmith's shop — he would be useful to a Farmer or Blacksmith. — For further particulars enquire at this office, where the requisite information will be given. December 14, 1804."

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 8 Certificate number: 34 Child: male child, name not listed Mother: Dian Enslaver of mother and child: Rev. John Schureman Location: Bedminster Birth date: 20 Dec 1804 Reported date: 29 May 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 4 Certificate number: 14 Child: "female child" name not listed Mother: name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: David Nevius Location: Franklin Birth date: 24 December 1804 Reported date: 30 March 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 12 Child: Dinah Mother: Elizabeth Enslaver of mother and child: William Lupardus Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: December 26, 1804 Reported date: February 22, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The mother is referred to as "slave Elizabeth otherwise called Bett." The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Frank Mother: Name not listed Enslaver of mother and child: Richard Westbrock Location: Sussex County (Locality not specified) Birth date: December 31, 1804 Recorded date: August 20, 1805 Clerk: J.S. Thompson

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 14 Certificate number: 55 Child: Aaron Mother: Peg Enslaver of mother and child: Hendrick Suydam Location: Somerset County (locality not specified) Birth date: 1 Jan 1805 Reported date: 1 Oct 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty The township was not listed on this birth certificate. However, another certificate submitted by Hendrick Suydam indicated that he was a resident of Bridgewater; thus, it appears likely that Aaron was born in Bridgewater.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 7 Certificate number: 26 Child: Hannah Mother: Phillis Enslaver of mother and child: Richard J. Hall Location: Bridgewater Birth date: 6 Jan 1805 Reported date: 24 Apr 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

On January 8, 1805, a 30-year-old Black man named Sam ran away from his enslaver John Hendricks, who lived in Elizabethtown, Essex County, New Jersey (now Elizabeth, Union County). ----- Transcript of the source document: "TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD. RAN AWAY from the subscriber, the 8th of January last, a stout negro man, named SAM, about 30 years of age, 5 feet 10 inches high, is very black, and much given to liquor, and when intoxicated he is very quarrelsome; has one of the joints of his forefingers off, and was well clothed in homespun. Whoever takes up said negro and brings him to his master, or secures him in any gaol so that his master gets him again, shall have the above reward, and all reasonable charges. JOHN HENDRICKS. Eliz. Town, Feb 18, 1805. 38-tf."

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: Harry Mother: Peg Enslaver of mother and child: John Durling Location: Sussex County (Locality not specified) Birth date: 10 Jan 1805 Recorded date: 10 Feb 1810 Clerk: John Johnson

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 7 Child: Roset Mother: Chloe Enslaver of mother and child: George I. Bergen Location: East Windsor, NJ Birth date: January 13, 1805 Reported date: September 14, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a shopkeeper.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 4 Child: John Enslaver of mother and child: Isaac Snowden Location: Cranbury, NJ Birth date: January 18, 1805 Reported date: July 22, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The names of the mother and father were not recorded on this birth certificate, but the document indicates that the parents were married. The following is a complete transcript of the document: "John / Cranbury 22d July 1805 Sir, By law I am directed to inform you that Jany 18th 1805 my negro woman was delivered of a boy which she and her husband calls John. I am Sir yours, Isaac Snowden Clerk of Middlesex County. - Recorded July 22d 1805"

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 4 Child: Abigail Mother: Margaret Enslaver of mother and child: originally Oakey Vanosdol, then purchased by William Tindall shortly after birth Location listed: West Windsor, NJ (residence of William Tindall) Birth date: January 20, 1805 Reported date: July 20, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document, which was submitted by William Tindall, Esq., indicates that William Tindall recently purchased the mother and child from Oakey Vanosdol, shortly after the birth of Abigail. William Tindall listed his own residence as West Windsor (which was part of Middlesex County in this period). Although the place of residence of the original enslaver, Oakey Vanosdol, is not listed in the birth certificate, other historical records locate him in Somerset County; thus, it is probable that the child was actually born in Somerset County and was later relocated to West Windsor. The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Abigail/ I William Tindall of the township of West Windsor in the County of Middlesex, Esquire, certify that Abigail a female black child was born of Margeret a female then slave of Oakey Vannosdoll, and that I am now entitled to the service of the said mother and child by purchase and that the said Abigail is this day six months old. - Witness my hand this twentieth day of July Eighteen Hundred & five. Wm. Tindall Recorded 22d July 1805"

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 7 Certificate number: 30 Child: female child which is called Ka[..?] Mother: [Bek or Bel] Enslaver of mother and child: Abraham Van Arsdalen Location: Bridgewater Birth date: 20 Jan 1805 Reported date: 24 May 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty The first two letters of the baby girl's name appear to be "Ka" and the remainder is missing due to deterioration of the paper around the edge of the page. The mother's name appears to be Bek or Bel.

A birth registration submitted by William Tindall on July 20, 1805, to the Middlesex County Clerk indicates that William Tindall recently bought a woman named Margaret and her infant daughter Abigail from Oakey Vanosdol. The sale took place sometime between the birth of Abigail circa January 20, 1805, and the filing of the birth registration six months later. See the related birth event for a transcript of the relevant document.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 8 Child: Rachel Mother: Lydia Enslaver of mother and child: John Wicoff Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: January 24, 1805 Reported date: October 18, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 5 Child: Dinah Mother: Rose Enslaver of mother and child: George Farmer Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: January 30, 1805 Reported date: August 12, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The following is a complete transcript of the document: "Dinah / I George Farmer of the township of Piscataway in the County of Middlesex New Jersey, Farmer, certify that Dinah a female child was born of my slave Rose on the thirtieth day of January last past.-- Witness my hand this twelfth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five. -- George Farmer Recorded 12th August 1805."

Three young Black women named Isabella, Harriet, and Ess escaped together from enslaver Samuel Berrien of Allentown, NJ, on February 1, 1805. It was thought that the women were living in or near Burlington after they escaped. Their enslaver issued a notice offering a reward of 30 dollars for their capture on September 3, 1805. This suggests that the three women were still at large 7 months after they ran away from their enslaver. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Thirty Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the subscriber the first night of February last, three Negro Women. The eldest named Isabella, about 21 years of age, the 2d Harriet, about 20 years of age, and the third Ess about 17 years of age. They are supposed to be in or near Burlington. The above reward will be given for the whole, or the sum of ten dollars for either of the above women, if delivered to the subscriber living near Allentown. All persons are forbidden harboring or employing said Negroes. SAMUEL BERRIEN Allentown, Sept. 3, 1805. 41-3w"

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 12 Child: Elizabeth Mother: Esther Enslaver of mother and child: John I. Craig Location: West Windsor, NJ Birth date: February 3, 1805 Reported date: November 28, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer. This birth certificate only lists West Windsor Township and does not provide further details about the location. The location of the event is inferred from other records that indicate John I. Craig was at this time the owner and resident of Prospect Farm in Princeton.

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 7 Certificate number: 28 Child: Sam Mother: Ann Enslaver of mother and child: Jacob Van Doren Location: Bedminster Birth date: 4 Feb 1805 Reported date: 6 May 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 8 Child: Silas Mother: Lydia Enslaver of mother and child: Nehemiah Dey Location: Middlesex County, NJ Birth date: February 10, 1805 Reported date: October 23, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document does not mention a specific location in Middlesex County.

Hannah ran away from her enslaver Elijah Blackwell of Princeton, NJ, in February of 1805. Four weeks after Hannah left, Blackwell published a runaway ad offering a $20 reward for her capture. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Twenty Dollars Reward. RANAWAY from the subscriber, about four weeks since, a Negro Woman, named Hannah, about twenty years of age, thin visage, small size, has a habit of rolling her eyes when spoken to. Took with her a variety of clothing, so that her dress cannot be particularly described. Whoever takes up said runaway and returns her to her master, shall receive the above reward and reasonable charges. ELIJAH BLACKWELL. Near Princeton, March 11, 1805"

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 11 Child: Phebe Mother: Gin Enslaver of mother and child: Samuel Karr Location: South Brunswick, NJ Birth date: February 14, 1805 Reported date: November 18, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 11 Child: Johannah Enslaver of mother and child: Mary Ellis Location: Middlesex County, NJ Birth date: February 15, 1805 Reported date: November 14, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The names of the mother and father were not recorded on this birth certificate.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 9 Child: Ralph Mother: Jude Father: Prince Enslaver of mother and child: Joseph Schenck Location: West Windsor, NJ Birth date: February 15, 1805 Reported date: November 5, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 3 Child: Keziah Mother: Hester Enslaver of mother and child: Campyon Cutter Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: February 16, 1805 Reported date: May 28, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

On Saturday, February 16, 1805, a 35-year-old Black woman named Magdelaine ran away from her enslaver, Madam Clery, in Burlington, NJ. Magdelaine took her 12-year-old son Germain with her. ----- Transcript of the source document: "Twenty Dollars Reward. RANAWAY on Saturday last, the 16th instant, from her mistress, Madam Clery, residing in the city of Burlington, a Negro Woman, aged about thirty five years, named Magdelaine, of midling size, large face, big eyes, flat nose, had on a red flannel petticoat. Also, her son, aged about twelve years, named Germain, short big fellow, like his mother, had on brown pantaloons and waistcoat, yellow flannel shirt. Any person apprehending the said Magdelaine and her son, and securing them in Burlington goal, or so that their mistress may get them again shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges, by M. CLERY, Burlington, February 18, 1805. xiii 4w"

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 14 Child: Bonaparte Mother: Hagar Enslaver of mother and child: John James Location: East Windsor, NJ Birth date: February 18, 1805 Reported date: December 13, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The enslaver is listed as John James, Esquire.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 10 Child: Daniel Mother: Nan otherwise called Ann Enslaver of mother and child: Elijah Phillips Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: February 18, 1805 Reported date: November 12, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

On Monday, February 18, 1805, a Black boy named James, aged about 15, ran away from his enslaver in Cranberry, Middlesex County, NJ (now Cranbury). The enslaver submitted a runaway ad to the Trenton Federalist newspaper about 5 weeks later. The enslaver's name was printed in the newspaper as "Peter Stuls." However, as the family name "Stuls" has not been found in any New Jersey cemetery records from the 19th century, it seems likely that the name was printed wrong in the newspaper. ----- Transcript of the source document: "EIGHT DOLLARS REWARD. RANAWAY from the Subscriber, living near Cranberry in Middlesex county, on Monday the eighteenth day of February, a NEGRO BOY, aged about fifteen years named James, about five feet six inches high and of yellow complexion; had on, when he went away, a light coloured linsey sailor coat, a swansdown jacket, a wool hat about half worn. Any person apprehending the said negro and securing him so that his master may get him again, shall receive the above reward and all reasonable charges, by PETER STULS March 25, 1805. xvii-3w."

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 4 Certificate number: 12 Child: George Mother: Jude Enslaver of mother and child: John Allen Location: Bridgewater, NJ Birth date: 21 Feb 1805 Reported date: 22 March 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 2 Child: Enoch Mother: Phebe Enslaver of mother and child: John Croes Location: New Brunswick, NJ Birth date: February 23, 1805 Reported date: May 22, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The record notes that John Croes is "Rector of Christ Church in the City of New Brunswick."

Somerset County birth records of enslaved children contain the following record: Book A, page number: 19 Certificate number: 66 Child: Jack Mother: Bet Enslaver of mother and child: James Quick (aka Jacobus Quick) Location: Hillsborough Birth date: 24 Feb 1805 Reported date: 20 Nov 1805 Clerk: Joseph Doty

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 5 Child: Daniel Mother: Jude Enslaver of mother and child: John Dunham Location: North Brunswick, NJ Birth date: February 26, 1805 Reported date: August 5, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver is a farmer.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 3 Child: Mary Mother: Jane Enslaver of mother and child: Thomson Stelle Location: Piscataway, NJ Birth date: March 3, 1805 Reported date: June 10, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The mother is described as "Mulatto slave Jane," and the enslaver's name is spelled "Thomson Stelle" in this document.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 11 Child: Susan Drake Mother: Kate Enslaver of mother and child: William Bullus Location: Woodbridge, NJ Birth date: March 4, 1805 Reported date: November 16, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 8 Child: Samuel Mother: Kate Enslaver of mother and child: Thomas Applegate Location: South Amboy, NJ Birth date: March 7, 1805 Reported date: September 25, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare The document indicates that the enslaver was a farmer.

Middlesex County Births of Enslaved Children book contains the following record: Page: 12 Child: Lewis Mother: Kate Enslaver of mother and child: Andrew Bell Location: Perth Amboy, NJ Birth date: March 9, 1805 Reported date: November 25, 1805 Clerk: William Philips Deare

Sussex County Births of Enslaved Children microfilm contains the following record: Child: name not recorded Mother: Hope Enslaver of mother and child: Abraham Bosch Location: Sussex County (locality not specified) Birth date: 10 March 1805 Recorded date: 27 Nov 1805 Clerk: John Johnson